utter 1 of 2

adjective

ˈə-tər How to pronounce utter (audio)
Definition of utternext
1
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions our attempt to reform the school system was an utter failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in utmost
of the highest degree spoke with utter certainty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

utter

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to whisper
to send forth using the vocal cords she tried not to utter a sound as the doctor gave her a flu shot

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to say
to express (a thought or emotion) in words never uttered a single comment at the meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word utter distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of utter are air, broach, express, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When is air a more appropriate choice than utter?

In some situations, the words air and utter are roughly equivalent. However, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

In what contexts can broach take the place of utter?

The synonyms broach and utter are sometimes interchangeable, but broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to utter?

The words express and utter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When might vent be a better fit than utter?

While in some cases nearly identical to utter, vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

When would voice be a good substitute for utter?

The meanings of voice and utter largely overlap; however, voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of utter
Adjective
And yet those 80 minutes of utter domination created an entirely different March vibe for the Zags in the West Coast Conference tournament, which begins this week, and the NCAAs, which commence in the middle of the month. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025 Such was Hollywood’s utter failure to rise to this moment. —Cristina Escobar, refinery29.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Trump administration has made the border a zone that is overtly hostile to human rights and displays utter disregard for the humanity and dignity of people on the move. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 That’s a strong statement, and trust me, the words were uttered with conviction. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utter
  1. sheer
  2. utmost
  3. whisper
  4. say
  5. absolute
  6. emit
  7. speak
  8. complete
Adjective
  • This semi sheer curtain panel is an ideal solution for anyone who’s looking to filter in light without sacrificing privacy.
    — Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The film captures the sheer physical toll of the journey, with men battling not just the elements but each other, as fear and desperation set in.
    — Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • Parachute Eco Mattress $2,400 $1,920 Parachute Like all the bedding on Parachute’s site, the Eco mattress is made with utmost craftsmanship and high-quality materials—in this case pure New Zealand wool and 100% organic cotton.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Working with the subject to tell their story empowers and gives them a voice, which may be particularly important when a story involves sensitive topics that require the utmost care.
    — Legal Entertainment, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of utmost
Verb
  • Now tourists and school groups inched past, whispering.
    — Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The graying music mogul appeared in mostly good spirits throughout the 35-minute conference – grinning and waving to a small group of family and friends seated toward the back of the gallery ‒ although at other times, he could be seen shaking his head and whispering in his attorney's ear.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of whisper
Verb
  • There is no reason to say that the current challenges render AI’s implementation impossible.
    — William Tarr, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Doherty says Cooper — who makes his acting debut in the series — impressed her.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of say
Adjective
  • In baseball, results are marked in absolute terms, and the official record will forever show that Ohtani homered in the fifth inning of the Dodgers’ 6-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.
    — Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The right to seek legal redress and the right of the press to report on it are sacred principles that are protected by multiple privileges, including the litigation and fair report privileges, which are absolute.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of absolute
Verb
  • Most stars emit a continuous spectrum as well, but not all astronomical objects do.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Natural gas is a fossil fuel that tends to produce fewer greenhouse gases than coal but emits methane, a powerful global warming agent.
    — Andrew Freedman, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of emit
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Piper, Lachlan and their parents have made their way to the Buddhist community so that Timothy and Victoria can speak with the monk, Luang Por Teera (Suthichai Yoon).
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • All of Anthony’s dialogue is spoken through the car.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of speak
Adjective
  • The stunning dress — complete with ruching detail on the bodice and a sweetheart V-neck — takes Vivian from a duckling to a swan, leaving everyone (including Edward) in awe while on a date at the opera to watch a performance of Verdi's La Traviata.
    — Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
  • And her fashion sense is impeccable, too, wearing everything from a stylish black Prada dress to a ginger top and miniskirt, complete with a distinctive gold chain necklace.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

utopias
utter
utterance
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Cite this Entry

“Utter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utter. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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